What is the impact of borrowing from my retirement plan?

Some qualified retirement plans include the option for qualifying participants to take a loan against their retirement account balance. Many people borrow from their retirement plan to pay off high-interest debt or to make a major purchase. Although the borrowing rates may be favorable, usually 1-2% above the prime rate, the impact on future retirement earnings needs to be taken into account. This calculator can help you make a more informed decision about whether a loan is the right approach for your financial situation.

During the loan repayment period, if you elect to suspend ongoing contributions to the plan, your future retirement account balance may be further impacted. This analysis does not take into account any loan initiation fees that might apply. It also does not consider the impact of taking a withdrawal from the plan for financial hardship (purchase of a primary residence, college tuition, funeral expenses, etc.). Contact your plan administrator for details on the loan and withdrawal options available to you.

Loan Information

Amount you intend to borrow ($)

Interest rate on loan (%)

Years until retirement

Term of loan (in years) Term must be less than years until retirement.

Assumptions

Anticipated pre-tax rate of return on retirement plan account (%)

Will loan proceeds be used to pay down existing debt?If you answered "Yes", please complete the following:

The information provided here is to assist you in planning for your future. Any analysis is a result of the information you have provided. Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary therefore, the information should be relied upon when coordinated with individual professional advice.

Any rate of return entered into the interactive calculator to project future values should be a reasonable average return for the period. Rates of return will vary over time, and generally the higher the rate of return the higher the degree of risk.